Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced that the New York State will take legal action against the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent the designation of new permanent sites off the coast of eastern Long Island.
In a letter signed by more than 30 federal, state and local elected officials, the Governor provided notice to President Obama and EPA officials that the state will take necessary steps to prevent the EPA from issuing a rule allowing dredged materials from Connecticut to be dumped in the eastern region of the Long Island Sound.
At an event at Sunken Meadow State Park, the Governor announced that the state objects to any further dumping in the eastern region of the Long Island Sound – a popular tourist and ecologically vital area.
This action builds on the state’s goal to eliminate disposal in the open waters of Long Island.
“The Long Island Sound is one of New York’s greatest natural treasures and a vital component of Long Island’s tourism industry ,” Governor Cuomo said.
“The EPA’s plan to establish a new disposal site not only poses a major threat to this ecologically vital habitat, but impedes our progress in ending open water dumping in Long Island’s waters once and for all. This state is committed to ensuring the Sound remains a viable source of economic and tourist activity and we will continue to take any action necessary to preserve this precious jewel for generations to come.”
A copy of the letter sent to President Obama and EPA Administrators can be viewed here .
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